Dhaka, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Allegations of rape, attempted rape and sexual abuse involving children at six madrasas across Bangladesh within just 16 days have triggered widespread public outrage, as concerns over violence against children continue to grow in the country.
According to a report, the incidents have led to protests, assaults on accused teachers, vandalism and arson.
Reported between October 8 and 23 in several areas, including Gazipur, Savar in Dhaka, Kushtia and Pabna, the cases involved children as young as seven, including both boys and girls. Several victims were allegedly threatened to prevent them from speaking out.
Rights groups have raised serious concerns about the safety of madrasa students, emphasising that public protests alone cannot ensure children’s protection. They have called for coordinated monitoring mechanisms and the establishment of anti-sexual harassment committees at every institution, according to a report published by Bangladesh’s newspaper The Daily Star.
Highlighting the disturbing incidents, the report stated that in Gacha, Gazipur, teacher Md Oliullah Islam, 23, allegedly raped an eight-year-old residential student at Darul Hedayah Qawmi Madrasa on three consecutive nights—October 10, 11 and 12—and threatened him to keep him silent.
The boy informed his mother on October 13, following which she filed a case. Police arrested Oliullah and governing body member Mohammad Mizan, 38, on October 22. Both were sent to jail the following day, while another accused, Md Abdul Quddus Sheikh, 45, remains at large.
In another incident in Tongi, Moslem Ahmed, 30, a teacher at Qariul Quran International Madrasa, allegedly sexually abused a seven-year-old Class I girl on October 19, according to her family. The girl was reportedly threatened with a beating if she disclosed the incident. She stayed away from classes for three days before telling her parents.
The report also cited an incident in Savar in which Abdul Bari, 50, the owner and headteacher of a madrasa, allegedly raped a 13-year-old residential student on October 21 and threatened to kill her if she spoke about the incident.
Bangladesh Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad described the alleged abuse cases as “extremely distressing and shameful” and pledged to take preventive measures.
Dhaka-based human rights organisation Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) called for stronger child protection measures in madrasas, impartial investigations, legal action against those responsible and functional Sexual Harassment Prevention Committees in all educational institutions.
The organisation warned that the actual number of cases could be higher, as children often refrain from reporting abuse because of fear, stigma and pressure.
“No child should fear the people responsible for their care and education. When a child reports abuse, we must listen, take immediate action and ensure their safety,” The Daily Star quoted MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam as saying.
Anam urged parents to speak out and assured them that children who report abuse would receive support.
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